If Arch Manning wants to best position himself to win a national championship, to be surrounded by future NFL talent, and to join a readymade power, then the five-star quarterback prospect’s recruiting decision should be simple: Choose Alabama or Georgia.
If he wants to carve his own legacy, though, then the most attractive choice for the latest ballyhooed talent from the First Family of SEC Football would be to choose a lame-duck Big 12 school.
If Manning can bring Texas “back,” that narrative would catapult what his grandfather Archie and uncles Peyton or Eli achieved during their standout careers in the SEC.
The tea leaves suggest the Longhorns are well-positioned in the Manning sweepstakes. On3.com lists Texas as the frontrunner for Manning’s commitment ahead of Georgia and Alabama, although the rising senior at Isidore Newman in New Orleans has said little publicly to distinguish Texas from those SEC powers.
STAY UP-TO-DATE: Subscribe to our Sports newsletter now!
COLLEGE DECISION: Top-ranked 2023 football recruit Arch Manning planning to visit LSU, Florida
ARCH MANNING: ‘Athens is probably the best college town’
Quarterback Arch Manning 16 throws a pass as Newman takes on Lafayette Christian Academy in the LHSAA Div III semi finals. Wednesday, Nov. 24, 2021.
There’s no wrong choice here.
Manning is the top-rated player in the 2023 recruiting class. No matter his college choice, he’s on a path that leads to the NFL.
At Alabama and Georgia, Manning would enter a robust program and tasked with continuing the success.
Once a dynasty known for defense and bruising tailbacks, Alabama quarterbacks are second to none nowadays. Alabama’s Bryce Young is the reigning Heisman Trophy winner and an early favorite to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft. Alabama’s two previous quarterbacks, Mac Jones and Tua Tagovailoa, became first-round draft picks.
But Alabama is never about any one player, and Manning could have a great career and still not establish himself…